Conservative MP Rebecca Paul has been appointed shadow culture secretary as part of opposition leader Kemi Badenoch’s reshuffle.
Paul became MP for Reigate at the 2024 general election and will shadow Lisa Nandy, reappointed by Andy Burnham after he became prime minister in July, in her first frontbench role.
On social media, Paul said it was “an honour” to be appointed by Badenoch, adding: “I look forward to championing our amazing creative, media and sporting sectors to grow our economy and strengthen our communities.”
Paul replaces Nigel Huddleston, who was shadow culture secretary for one year and will return to the backbenches after seven years on the frontbench, both in government and opposition.
Huddleston replaced former civil society minister, a role he himself held for a year from 2021, Stuart Andrew last year.
On his website, Huddleston wished Paul “every success” as shadow culture secretary and said: “The DCMS brief has been a particularly special one for me. I worked in these sectors before entering parliament.
“Our arts, culture, creative industries, sport, broadcasting, tourism, heritage and charity sectors make an enormous contribution not only to our economy, but to our national life, our communities and Britain’s place in the world.
“I have been incredibly proud to champion them and to meet so many remarkable people working across the sectors. I am hugely grateful to my team, and everyone who has worked with me, shared their expertise, and supported me during my time in this role.”
No announcements regarding shadow civil society minister Louis French’s post have been made.
The government’s civil society brief, held by Stephanie Peacock before Burnham became prime minister, has yet to be confirmed.
